Like other models in the Lexus lineup, the 2014 IS has adopted the brand’s signature design element, its so-called “spindle grille.” Shown here on the IS350 F-Sport model, the grille is a single-frame, hour glass-shaped flourish, uninterrupted by a bumper line. Already a prominent part of the GS and LS sedans, it’s now migrating down to the smaller IS, and looks nearly identical to that found on the LF-CC Concept.
Aside from that unique – and very prominent grille – the car’s face also features unusual headlamp assemblies that are very sculptural; they’re almost 3-D in the way they’ve been contoured and shaped. Another stand-out part of the design are the separate L-shaped LED daytime-running lamps.
The front fenders are powerfully flared, making the car seem wider than it is. The character lines on top of these panels carry along the bodyside, terminating in the decklid at the back.
There are other interesting design elements as well, especially the twisting shape of the rocker panels. The high lines starting in these moldings sweep up near the rear of the car, neatly meeting up with the pointed taillamps.

SUPERIOR INTERIOR

Opening a door and sliding inside, the cabin looks similar to other members of the Lexus family, including the recently refreshed LS flagship and the sporty GS. There’s a strong horizontal component to the design and a sweeping center console, which is home to the gear shifter and other controls.
Buyers can opt for an F Sport package, which is available across the entire IS lineup. It’s a suite of appearance and functional upgrades. Some of those enhancements include aluminum pedals and scuff plates as well as a steering wheel and instrument cluster inspired by the LFA supercar… not a bad vehicle to steal from. “Rioja Red” is one of three interior color schemes offered on F Sport models.
As you’d expect from a Lexus, quality abounds. No matter where your hand lands or eye glances the materials are top-shelf.TECHNICALITIES

The car will initially be offered in three flavors. The IS 250 gets buyers in the door, while the IS 350 is the higher-performance model. A hybrid in the form of the IS 300h will be offered in Europe, Japan and other select markets, though it’s hard to imagine Lexus won’t sell it in the United States at some point. After all, Toyota is the king of hybrids.
At this time Lexus has not shared output or fuel economy figures for these different models. Don’t bet on big performance upgrades, though we can report that the IS350 F-Sport will gain an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Speaking of numbers, the car features a longer wheelbase, which adds a significant amount space to both the back seat and trunk. Lexus is claiming best-in-class knee room and easier access to the rear chairs in the 2014 IS. Additionally, 60/40 split-folding seat-backs make for an even more spacious luggage compartment.
Putting it in motion, Lexus promises the redesigned IS will really be a driver’s car. The chief engineer says dynamics and performance were top priorities when developing it.

I don't like it, either. But is sure is unique, none of it looks like anything else non-lexus.

I don't like how "boring" the doors are, the sides of the car are way too flat compared to the rest of it and to other cars.
I don't like how the tail lights are falling off the sides, stretched-looking to follow a poorly-placed body line to the ground in front of the wheel
I don't like the bottom of the front bumper, how it's all wavy.
And I really don't like that grille lol, it's way too black for the rest of the car.

It will be interesting to see the car in other colors, preferably dark colors.

And of course, I wonder what the IS-F will be like.

I am disappointed it doesn't look more like the new GS, THAT car looks nice, only it's too big.

I DO like the LFA wheels and LFA gauges though. Maybe I'll put those wheels on my car lol, they look almost identical to what I was gonna buy anyway.Added: Jan 10, 2013 5:51 PM
But it will grow on me, and I do hope to see a lot of them on the roads.Added: Jan 10, 2013 5:52 PM

Yeah it definitely needs some fog lights in the fog light spots lol (under the head lights, not in the center grille).

Either it needs a window tint, or the grille needs to be lighter. It just looks weird with this huge black grille stuck on the front, without any other black to support it. Looks completely out of place.

Not to mention that the grille takes away from the aggressiveness IMO.... or rather it makes the car look taller and skinnier. The traditional horizontal grille/bumper style makes the front end look wider. Just like people who wear stripes.... you don't put vertical stripes on a tall skinny person lol.

Yeah, thanks Press! I want to get the news section & home page going again, and this was the perfect thing to post. he had Autoblog for a while, but it's gone now for some reason. Which is fine, because this way, I can manually post the relevant stuff.

Car looks distorted as hell, wtf lexus.... it just doesnt look right..... ewwwwAdded: Jan 10, 2013 7:56 PM
the back looks like a lancer almost but the front seems so long then the back is all stubby... just not proportionate, and the front is just.... tacky! i think if it was a scaled down gs it would be perfect but this is just idk where the hell this idea came from...

no... just the car looks almost like lexus's retarded cousin... just no conformity to the lexus line up.... I love the back of the car, i think it is just clean just debadge and your set but the front is just so bulky, tacky and just overall poor design.

The GS F-Sport, THAT is a good looking car. This monstrosity is disgusting. The taillights look melted, or mounted upside down or something, just eww. And the new "spindle" grille that Lexus is adopting across the range is horrible.